Mar. 28, 2013

Pablo Tapia of Nanuet and his son, Tristan, 2, walk on a path at Rockland Lake State Park. / Peter Carr/The Journal News

Pushing a stroller on a hike up hills, over tree roots and rocks? No thanks. The Nyack sidewalks are tough enough. So when my husband and I go walking with our toddler, we head to Rockland Lake in Valley Cottage.

Weíre not alone. The nice, easy ó flat! ó paved path, just over 3 miles long, has long been a favorite of moms and families. (Itís also terrific for runners, roller-bladers, speed-walkers and birdwatchers.) And if our little one gets squirmy in her stroller, the walk is easy enough even for her to manage (for a little while, anyway).

The path rings the lake, and takes you over bubbling brooks and past a boathouse, a butterfly and native plants garden, several sports fields (youíre likely to catch a rugby or football game on the weekends), and woods where you can still see the stone foundations of the old ice house buildings. The lake, which shimmers in colors of green, blue or gray, depending on the sky and the weather, is almost always in view.

Start Here: There are several parking lots, but we like the south one, which is near the swimming pool building with restrooms, a water fountain and, in summer, a concession stand. Plus, this lot is almost always open. (Some lots are closed in winter; others are closed for state budget reasons.)

Terrain: The lake path is completely paved with only a minor raise in grade here and there. The only hazard to watch for in spring is water flooding over the path (which, if itís cold enough, can make them icy). The park sits on the ridge of Hook Mountain above the west bank of the Hudson River, and adventurous hikers (without a stroller) might want to check out the wooded path accessed from the golf course parking lot. It takes you along the ridge with stunning views of the Hudson River.

Hot spots: Benches near the boathouse are a nice place for a respite: once the weather is warm enough you can watch boats going out on the water.

Amenities: There are two swimming pools (though only one was open last summer); tennis courts; picnic tables; grills; restrooms; water fountains; a covered pavilion; a boat launch, boat rentals; fishing; two golf courses and a driving range. Check the schedule for events and runs.

Good to know: Pets are not permitted from May through September. From Oct. 1 to March 31, pets are allowed in the park but not on any of the paved walkways, including the one around the lake. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.